I just had to post these pictures from last week's LovEvolution in San Francisco aka Love Parade or Love Fest. I rode on a float where everyone had to wear gold and this was the look I put together. Fun stuff! This is just a warm up while I finish up my story.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Norman Goldpants and the LovEvolution
Monday, October 05, 2009
Ledisi, Astral 22 reviews
Some new reviews I just posted! Enjoy.
Artist: Ledisi
Title: Turn Me Loose
Genre: Soul
Read the review
Artist: Astral 22
Title: Astral 22 Presents … Imperial Progressive Soul Collection Vol. 1
Genre: Soul/Electronica
Read the review
Monday, September 28, 2009
My Europe Trip Part 2 - Paris
The next leg of my trip involved a little jaunt over to Paris to see my friend Amy Meyer get married. I began my journey hopping on the Eurostar train from London straight into the heart of Paris. The train ride was a little over 2 hours so it was quite easy.
When I arrived I hopped onto the Paris subway to my hostel in the Latin Quarter. Yes I stayed at a hostel! But the Oops Hostel in the Latin Quarter was adorable and clean, with a very cool, modern design. My room had 2 bunk beds and a bathroom and a little table and that's it but it was only 30 euro a night. But the cool thing was that someone from the wedding party actually was staying in the same room as me!
Once I got settled in the room I went out and explored on my way to Amy and Stacy's apartment. I took a leisurely walk through the city making my way to le Jardin du Luxumbourg, crossing the Seine, strolling past the Cathedral of Notre Dame, taking in the beauty of the Chatalet des Halles, before finally finding Rue de Clery where my friends were staying.
The apartment where Amy and her wife to be were staying (yes it was a lesbian wedding) was a perfectly charming French apartment located on the 2nd floor complete with a balcony and courtyard. The first night, the wedding party of about 20 all met here for a cocktail party where your wine never was allowed to get less than half full and there was a constant flow of hors d'oevres. Delicious!!
After the cocktail party I walked all the way back to the hostel (a 30-minute walk) stopping at a gay club called Raidd, which was recommended to me by the Paris Tourist Board. It was Disco night so it sucked even though it was packed and they had hot bartenders. But since my French is limited and a beer was 6euro (like $10) I left!
The second day in Paris was simply amazing. My roommate Casey and I got all dressed up for the wedding and made our way to the apartment. I think people thought we were Parisian since we looked all snazzy and not like bummy Americans. We were approached by several French people asking for help and such. Pretty cool.
Everyone met up and hopped on our little coach for Versailles. This was the highlight of the trip by far. Versailles is absolutely breathtaking with its massive castle, vast gardens, and luxurious fountains. We made our way to the secluded Jardin du Roi where the wedding ceremony was held.
I have never been one for weddings but as we stood in a circle and watched Amy's mom and sister as they welcomed Stacy into their family it was an incredible moment of love and acceptance that none of us will forget. We all felt that love flow through us and it connected us all in that single moment.
After the short ceremony that had eyes tearing, we continued to explore Versailles, grabbing bikes and hightailing our way across the countryside. We peddled our way to a lovely picnic site that was prepared for us in spectacular fashion. We sipped wine and champagne and feasted as we shared poetry and personal thoughts about the 2 brides. We then continued to explore the fascinating grounds, making our way to Marie-Antoinette's chateau where she pretended to be a peasant before having some desert and making our way back to the city. But not before I totally busted my ass on my bike on the way back. I left Versailles with a bloody elbow and knee and quite a story to tell. What a day to remember.
My final full day in Paris found me without use of my camera, but with plenty to do. Casey and I started out the day exploring Montmarte and the fabulous Sacre-Coeur, an impressive white cathedral overlooking the city. The winding streets of this bohemian enclave was easily my favorite part of the city.
I then took of fon my own travel writer adventures, setting off to tour three hotels around the city for my article for Bleu Magazine. The first was the Hilton Arc de Triomphe, an impressive 400plus room Art Deco masterpiece with sharkskin walls and finely detailed furniture. The second was a modern boutique hotel called Le Metropolitan that faced the Eiffel Tower. The final was a classic French hotel called Le Dokhan complete with a Louis Vuitton lined elevator. At Le Dokhan I was treated to a champagne tasting where I got to sample three very expensive champagnes and learn the differences.
In between all the walking I saw lots of the city making my way down the Champs Elysees and through many quiet parks and tree-lined avenues. I think I could die in Paris! It is such a beautiful magical place full of very sexy people everywhere. Next time I want to know more French and go out to the right clubs.
The next day it was back to dreary London. But I was still in for a weekend of FUN!
Monday, September 21, 2009
My trip to Europe - Part 1 -LONDON
I just got back from a wonderful trip to London and Paris and it's taken me all week to calm down to write about it. The terrible jetlag and constant flow of work hasn't made things any easier, mind you. First off it must be said that I did this trip on the cheap. I have family in London, well Ilford in Essex to be exact but it is close enough. Plus I used my travel journalist tricks to get my fair share of freeness, discounts and other goodies.
My trip began with a very long flight from LA to London, two flights actually with a stopover in Boston. To my surprise my friend Chi Chi, who I was planning on seeing while in London was on my connecting flight from Boston. This wouldn't be the last time I ran into people unexpectedly during my trip.
I finally arrived in London and was greeted by my Aunt Maggie, my grandmother's younger sister and her husband. We took a very long tube ride to Ilford. The first full day was spent chatting with the family, getting my money exchanged and figuring out the damn cell phones over there. Once that was sorted I headed into the city to take advantage of my travel journalist perks. I scored a hotel room in the Notting Hill area for just 10pounds a night! The Hotel Umi was adorable and in a lovely area of charming white buildings. I didn't stay there long though as I was off to Soho to hang out with Deji and his friends for a night on the town. We hit up some gay bars, particularly Barcode in both Soho and Vauxhall before taking the nightbus to his place in Brixton.
After some recovery I made my way back up to Ilford for a family BBQ, where I got to see everyone that I haven't seen in about 15-20 years. they are the same crazy, lively family I remember and they were happy to chat with me. They served up some rum, Caribbean dishes, and yummy deserts! Then I went to meet up with my old college buddy Siobhan (we went to school in Miami together) to celebrate her birthday with her new friends in London. She has been there for 2 years so she has had time to build a new life. It was a crazy night that went into the morning but it was a great chance to chat it up with locals who were open minded and artistic. Fun times.
Sunday night, I hung out with an online buddy named Anthony and we went to check out the UKSoulJam at Jazz Cafe in Camden Town. The called me onstage to plug Nu-Soul and I gavce out some Strictly Social CDs to the hungry crowd. The main act was a group called Indigo Brown who were quite good!
So that was just the first weekend. I slept all day Monday and chilled with the family as I got ready for the next leg of my trip - My trip to Paris! Stay tuned.
N'Dambi Album release party - Wed. Oct 7
Nu-Soul Magazine & Red Light Special Events
In Association with Beija Flor Naturals
Present
The Official N'Dambi Pink Elephant Album Release Party
Wednesday October 7, 2009
7pm-10pm
Celebrating the release of Stax Recording artist N'Dambi's third album Pink Elephant with a special listening session at 8:30pm
Pre-order the album Pink Elephant
www.myspace.com/ndambi
Introducing BEIJA FLOR NATURALS
An eco-friendly vegan/organic beauty line for women of color
Gift bags and product samples will be available
www.beijaflornaturals.com
Music by DJ Destroyer (Strictly Social)
Download DJ Destroyer's newest mix HERE
$8 Green Apple Martini and other drink specials
N'Dambi giveaways and other goodies all night!
Come early and stay late for Melodic Wednesdays - LA's newest premier weekly event for soulful house begins at 10pm
www.clubmelodic.com
This event is 21+ w/ ID
Admission is FREE with an RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com or to jenn@redlightpromotions.com
Your RSVP gets you in the club before 10pm to enjoy both events for FREE!
Ecco
1640 N. Caheunga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
www.eccohollywood.com
nu-soulmag.com
redlightspecialevents.com
New Interview: Joy Jones
Joy Jones is stepping out front with the release of her exemplary debut album, Godchild. Jones effortlessly glides through various genres from rump-shaking broken beat to progressive jazz to soca-flavored hymns all with a sharp political mind and keen wit. I wrote the snazzy intro.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Joy Jones review
Get ready for the big Nu-Soul Magazine 3-year Anniversary Party by getting familiar with our headliner, the astounding talent, Joy Jones! Read my review of Joy Jones's debut album
Artist: Joy Jones
Title: Godchild
Genre: Soul/Electronica/World
Read the review
Monday, August 31, 2009
Strictly Social - Wed Sept 16, 2009
Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union return once again with our signature monthly event of Eclectic Soul Fusion. It’s STRICTLY SOCIAL on Wednesday September 16, 2009!
Strictly Social is the physical embodiment of Nu-Soul Magazine, allowing music lovers to witness the convergence of soul and electronica through our carefully selected monthly showcase of cutting edge artists and DJs.
Featuring LIVE Performances from:
JAZZY
Read the Nu-Soul review of Jazzy's album
J ROSS PARRELLI
COLLETTE
www.myspace.com/experiencecollette
Special Guest DJ
MONA LISA (KPL/Garth Trinidad Sound)
Resident DJs Destroyer & Myxzlplix will be spinning a selection of future soul, organic hip-hop and electronic beats!
www.myspace.com/djdestroyer
www.myspace.com/djmyxzlplix
SHOW BEGINS AT 10:30PM
In the B Room - SOUL GOOD, soulful electronica hosted by Atlantic Connection
Admission is $10
FREE before 10:30 with an RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com with the subject Strictly Social September
Must be received by 6pm night of show
Strictly Social
Wednesday September 16, 2009
9pm-2am
21+
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
www.littletemple.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Amerie Interview
Most people know Amerie as the voice behind the megahit "1 Thing" but there is so much more to this beautiful and talented singer/songwriter. Now at her new home Def Jam, Amerie has created her own entertainment company, Feenix Rising, and is set to release her fourth album Love & War.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Broke as F**k - Wednesday Aug 26
BROKE is Back!
But now we’re BROKE AS F**K
Starting Wednesday August 26 join Nu-Soul Magazine as we switch up the game and present a new FREE monthly event celebrating Breakbeat Culture!
BROKE will be a journey into the sounds of bootyshaking breakbeat, bass, ghettotech, dubstep, and electro that is sure to keep your ass planted on the dancefloor!
DJ Sets by:
KIMCHEE LOVE (Eva & Athena)
ROXANNE vs. MIYUKI
TROUBLE vs. JUSTO
NOMAD aka Normysoul
Admission is totally FREE!
There will be drink specials and CD giveaways
This event will take place at:
Blu Monkey Bar & Lounge
5521 Hollywood Blvd - At Hollywood & Western
Enter through alley on Western
This charming Moroccan themed bar is under new management from those who support good music and underground culture!
Donwload the Kimchee Love mixtape HERE to get a taste of the vibe you will experience
Monday, August 17, 2009
Norman on Truthseekers Radio
I made a special appearance on KPFK Los Angeles' Truthseekers Radio last weekend, dropping a selection of some hot Nu-Soul jams and speaking about the Nu-Soul site and Strictly Social. The show is 2 hours of music with the interview beginning at about 30 minutes in.
Check it out HERE
truthseekersradio.orgTuesday, August 11, 2009
Strictly Social mixed Vol 5 by DJ Destroyer
The wait is over. DJ Destroyer has returned with the fifth volume of the Strictly Social mixed series and it is more of what you have come to expect from the Nu-Soul family. Recreating the sound of the monthly Los Angeles Strictly Social parties, DJ Destroyer takes you on a journey through future soul, organic hip-hop, and broken beats that will keep your head nodding and your feet moving. Featuring an assortment of Strictly Social performers past, present, and future including Peter Hadar, Erik Rico, Choklate, Joy Jones, Yahzarah & Jamal. Plus new music and remixes from such talents as Maxwell, Feist, Goapele, Jill Scott, & Jody Watley!
Peep the tracklist and click the image to download
1. The Highest - MeLo-X
2. Melody (Featuring Shabaam Sahdeeq and Erik Rico)- DJ Spinna
3. Too Late For Us - Tiye Phoenix Feat. Phonte
4. Sounds Like Love (Feat. Debi Nova) - Illa J
5. Get Involved - Pete Rock
6. Super Stereo Blaster (Feat. Reach) - Leonard DStroy
7. Milk And Honey - Goapele
8. Universe 4 U(Feat. Phase One) - Chester Gregory
9. Rhythm Of The Drum - M64-Ragen Fykes+Ohmega Watts
10. Candelight (Myx's Nu Soul Remyx) - Jody Watley
11. Killdat - Dam Funk
12. I Feel It All (Diplo Remix) - Feist
13. You Could Be Here- Deborah Jordan
14. Pretty Wings (Willie Isz/Jneiro Jarel Remix) - Maxwell
15. The Joy - Joy Jones
16. Want U for Myself (Feat. Peter Hadar) - Theophilus London
17. Love Czars - Sa Ra Creative Partners
18. I Want You (Remix) - Karriem Riggins
19. Wanna Be (Vicelounge Mash) - Maiysha
20. Just Ain't Gonna Work Out - Mayer Hawthorne
21. Never Change - Choklate
22. Futuristic Soul (Do You Agree?) - Tony Ozier
23. Real Good (Feat. Phonte) - Yazarah
24. Slowly Surely (Supreme Remix) - Jill Scott
25. Look Around - Dotmatic
26. LOVE - Frank Nitt
27. Keep On Going (Feat. Vitamin D) - D. Black
28. Believe - Ayah
29. Cosmic Theory - fLako x Noir
30. Breath Of Fresh Air - Caretta Bell
31. Right Person Wrong Time - Jamal
32. Never 2ndary - Tanya Morgan
33. Smile - Alchemist Ft. Maxwell & Twista
34. Sunday - 9th Wonder Feat. Keisha Shontelle & Chaundon
Download HERE
www.myspace.com/djdestroyer
www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial
www.nu-soulmag.com
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
International Soul Music Summit 2 for 1 offer
For all the Nu-Soul readers who are interested in going to this year’s International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA. Sept 24-27, the ISMS has offered Nu-Soul a great opportunity to share with our friends, fans, and supporters. The 4th Annual International Soul Music Summit 2009 The largest music conference in the world dedicated to the independent soul Gene. Major Networking Opportunities with mainstream, emerging and independent soul artist, retailers, taste makers, consumers and executives all conveniently located in downtown Atlanta at the Renaissance Atlanta Hotel.
Click the above banner to purchase your registration.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
